Africa-Press – Liberia. Montserrado County District #3 Representative, Sumo Mulbah, has a passionate plea to the government to make significant investments to enhance the quality of service and the infrastructure of major Liberian embassies around the world.
Sumo’s urgent appeal follows his recent experience in Ghana, which highlighted the dire state of Liberia’s diplomatic missions and the negative impact this has on our nation’s image and respectability on the global stage.
“Embassies are the frontlines of our international relations; they are not merely offices, but representations of Liberia overseas,” Rep. Mulbah noted in a statement on Sunday. “Unfortunately, the current conditions of many of our embassies do not reflect the dignity and pride of the Liberian nation.”
The lawmaker made specific reference to the embassy in Ghana, constructed in the 1940s. He indicated that the diplomatic facility stands as a stark representation of neglect, with no significant facelift for years.
“This deplorable state of affairs at our embassies sends a damaging message about our country’s commitment to maintaining robust and respectable diplomatic ties,” he said. “Moreover, our ambassadors, who are the face of our country abroad, are forced to operate in outdated and inadequate facilities.”
“They are often left with old and rugged vehicles, which not only pose safety risks but also undermine their ability to effectively carry out their duties,” he added.
This lack of investment, the Montserrado County Representative said, does not only hamper the operational efficiency of embassy officials and staff but also tarnishes Liberia’s reputation and diminishes the respect accorded to the nation’s diplomats.
“We cannot expect to be treated with the respect and seriousness we deserve if our embassies are in squalid conditions,” he said. “A nation’s embassy should stand as a beacon of its strength, pride, and commitment to international cooperation.”
Mulbah is therefore urging comprehensive renovation work and immediate investment in the renovation and modernization of embassies, starting with those in key strategic locations such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, the United States, China, and the European Union.
He called for an upgrade of diplomatic vehicles. “We are calling for the provision of safe, reliable, and modern vehicles for our ambassadors to ensure their safety and enhance their capacity to perform their duties efficiently,” he said.
Mulbah is also pushing for increments in operational budgets for embassies. “We want to see the allocation of adequate funds for the maintenance and operational needs of our embassies to ensure they can operate without the constraints currently faced,” he said. “We are also calling for the implementation of a regular assessment schedule to ensure our embassies are kept up to date and are functioning at optimal levels.”
Sumo noted that it is imperative that the government allocates resources to renovate and modernize the embassies, providing diplomats with the tools they need to adequately represent the country with honor and effectiveness.
“A well-maintained embassy fosters a better working environment for our diplomats and staff, enabling them to focus on fostering stronger bilateral relations, attracting foreign investments, and promoting Liberia’s interests abroad,” he said. “It also reassures our citizens living overseas that their government cares about their welfare and their representation in foreign lands.”
“Investing in our embassies is investing in our nation’s future. It is a necessary step to ensure that Liberia is seen as a serious, committed, and respected player on the global stage. We must act now to restore the dignity and effectiveness of our diplomatic missions and reaffirm our commitment to representing Liberia with pride and honor.”
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